37th annual folklife festival Oct. 19-20

Everyone attending the Hannibal Arts Council's 37th Annual Autumn Historic Folklife Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20, will have a first-hand look at how old-fashioned arts and crafts are created.

Everyone attending the Hannibal Arts Council's 37th Annual Autumn Historic Folklife Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20, will have a first-hand look at how old-fashioned arts and crafts are created.

They will see artisans making pottery, candles, leather items and jewelry. They will watch skilled crafts people weaving, making wood furniture, spinning wool, painting and using a blacksmith's forge to make ironworks.

More than 100 exhibitors will fill North Main and nearby streets in Hannibal's Historic District for the festival, which will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, according to HAC Executive Director Michael Gaines.

Foods often attract the local crowd, as Hannibalians anticipate another serving of the kettle corn, chicken and noodles, bread pudding, cheese soup and other hearty dishes cooked over wood fires at the festival.

Sandwiches will include Philly cheesesteak (and taters), which won the NEMO Humane Society the 2012 Best of Show award for food.

Turkey legs, knackwurst and bratwurst, hamburgers, chili dogs/hot dogs and catfish sandwiches also will be served.

Fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods also will be offered at the Farmer's Market.

The festival will be launched by a children's parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, which will begin at the HAC, 105 S. Main.

Entertainment will include both strolling and street performances. Musicians will be Ralu Gerri, L.A. Suess, Not Ever Ready For Prime Time Players, Lucky Star Stompers, Rag Tag, Daniel Ebers and Mark Holland. Other musicians often join in for an impromptu jam session.

An old-time church service led by First Christian Church will begin at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, scheduled early so the festival exhibitors may attend.

Children will experience old-fashioned arts in their own area, led by the L.E.A.P. organization. They will be using feathers to write, play old-fashiolned games and make toys from an earlier era.

For further information on the Autumn Historic Folklife Festival contact the Hannibal Arts Council at (573) 221-6545, findit@hannibalarts.com, or view the festival page at hannibalarts.com.